A sneaky tree could give you a good lesson in productivity. It’s probably a challenge that you face every day.
In Florida, it’s not uncommon to see a strangler fig. You may have noticed these vines growing on other trees. Over time, the vine sends roots to the ground as well as wraps itself around the host tree. Before long, nutrients from the sun and the soil are being hijacked by the strangler fig. Sometimes to the point that the host tree dies.
All is fair in the world of vegetation but you have to feel a little sorry for the host tree. After all, it did all of the initial hard work, in growing and competing with other plants. Later, its reward was to be taken over by a vine.
In your world, do you work with people who are the equivalent of strangler figs? These are low performers who metaphorically drape themselves over you and steal you time. As a result, they keep you from doing what you do best.
Here’s the sad thing that sometimes happens: Strangler figs sometimes get promoted over you.
To Clear the Path of these kinds of sneaky vines, consider these tips:
Watch Growth
If you are a host tree, are you making sure that you’re continuing to grow professionally. In a complex, ever changing business world, it’s more important than ever to keep you skills fresh.
Often, your personal growth is put on hold by more pressing items or employees who require a lot of supervision. Don’t let your professional skills become old, especially while others are finding the time to become better.
Get Credit
Over time, the strangler fig, starts to dominate the view of the host tree. Make sure that a member of your team is not getting an unfair share of the credit for good work.
It may seem weird to brag about your achievements but is it really bragging if it’s true?
Hanging back and letting someone else get your credit is not a good idea. In today’s world, decisions about layoffs can be made by someone’s perception of another. Many times, I’ve heard leaders say, “I never would have gotten rid of that person if I had known all that he or she did for us.”
Be a mini-publicist for yourself. Give credit to others when it’s deserved but don’t run from the spotlight.
Prioritize & Change
If someone is using your skills as a stepping stone to something better, then you need to decide if this relationship is in your best interest. While it’s good to help others develop talents, unless you are employed as a trainer, that’s not your job.
Prioritize your time so that you are focused on your big picture goals and are working toward them. If an employee needs constant hand holding, give that person a chance to improve or help them find a position that takes up less of your time.
It may be hard to close your door to constant distractions from your strangler fig, but consider whether being unavailable from time to time, helps you professionally.
There’s nothing wrong with focusing on the primary part of your job. By saying, “No,” to constant demands for help, you may be helping weed out a bad employee.
If you liked this article, then you might enjoy this one about how many leaders are acting like firefighters and babysitters on the job.
